Interview with Nima Keivani

Nima Keivani ("NK") interviewed on Friday, 13 December.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

NK : I’ve been practicing architecture and design for well over two decade, beginning my career shortly after graduating with my Master’s degree in Architecture. My brother, Sina, and I co-founded Keivani Architects, where we focus on blending Iran’s rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge design technology. During this journey, I’ve collaborated with a wide range of clients—from private homeowners to educational institutions and commercial developers. Our work has been recognized locally and internationally, something I attribute to a fundamental commitment to context-sensitive and human-centered design. Every project I undertake is an exploration of how material, light, and form can converge to create deeply resonant experiences.

How did you become a designer?

NK : Becoming an architect was not a momentary decision; it was a progression fueled by curiosity, artistic passion, and a desire to improve people’s lives. From an early age, I was drawn to the interplay of geometry in historic Iranian structures—intricate tilework, symmetrical courtyards, and the poetic use of light. This fascination led me to study architecture academically. My formal education gave me both technical knowledge and a broader philosophical grounding. Initially, I was influenced by vernacular Iranian building techniques, but I also immersed myself in global modernism and sustainable design principles. The driving force was a conviction that architecture is a social responsibility—a way to weave cultural threads and modern needs into cohesive environments that uplift communities.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

NK : Contextual Insight: Every project begins with an examination of site-specific conditions—cultural, environmental, and functional. I want each design to reflect and elevate its locale. Human-Centric Experience: Spaces should not only be beautiful but also intuitive and comforting. Human well-being—emotional, physical, and social—is always at the forefront. Sustainability & Innovation: We adopt both traditional craftsmanship and advanced digital tools. Physical mock-ups, 3D parametric modeling, and performance simulations all help us discover new forms and optimize resources. The goal is to create a symbiosis between tradition and technology. I’d describe our style as contemporary reinterpretations of Iranian architectural heritage, emphasizing spatial fluidity, geometric nuances, and an ongoing dialogue with nature.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

NK : Designing evokes a deep sense of wonder, curiosity, and responsibility. Initially, there’s the excitement of conceptualizing—like painting with possibilities. As ideas mature, I feel a kind of focused intensity; it’s both thrilling and meditative. The final stages, when a concept transitions from drawings to reality, produce profound satisfaction and humility. Each design phase has its emotional cadence: from the spark of inspiration, to the constructive friction of refining ideas, to the relief and joy of completion. Ultimately, the knowledge that design can tangibly improve people’s lives gives me a daily sense of purpose.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

NK : Cultural Heritage: Growing up amidst Iran’s age-old architectural legacy—courtyards, windcatchers, intricate brickwork—engrained in me an intuitive grasp of proportion, light, and ornamentation. Interdisciplinary Curiosity: I’ve always found value in studying and trying fields outside architecture, such as philosophy, cinema, theater, and anthropology, enriching my design toolkit. Empathy & Communication: Understanding clients’ narratives, communities’ aspirations, and local constraints has been crucial. Good listening and collaboration skills often matter more than strictly design-based expertise. These dimensions foster a mindset that merges creativity and empathy, bridging local identity with modern demands.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

NK : My personal and professional growth path hinges on continually deepening our architectural language at Keivani Architects. We aspire to broaden our reach internationally, forging design dialogues that transcend national boundaries. We’re also expanding our work into urban-scale interventions, helping shape more holistic environments that integrate public spaces, housing, cultural institutions, and ecological frameworks.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

NK : Stay Curious: Continuously explore emerging technologies and historical precedents. Don’t limit your learning to architecture—draw insights from fields like psychology, sociology, and environmental sciences. Embrace Critique: Early in my career, critical feedback (even if daunting) was the greatest catalyst for growth. Surround yourself with people who challenge your ideas constructively. Be Resilient: Design processes can be long and fraught with constraints. You’ll need persistence, adaptability, and the ability to pivot. A mentor once told me: “The best architecture emerges when all constraints—cultural, financial, environmental—are creatively resolved rather than sidestepped.” That advice still guides me today.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

NK : Define Your Ethos: Understand your values and vision before diving into any trend. Authentic design stems from clarity of purpose. Network Wisely: Collaborate across disciplines. Artists, scientists, local craftspeople—diverse perspectives lead to unique solutions. Balance Ambition with Humility: Confidence is key, but remain open to learning. Continual refinement of methods, materials, and conceptual frameworks is how you stay relevant. Constant iteration, rigorous research, and a strong moral compass (especially concerning sustainability) build the foundation for long-term success.

What is your day to day look like?

NK : I typically start my morning reviewing sketches and design briefs while having coffee. Then I delve into team meetings, where we discuss project progress, brainstorm new concepts, and troubleshoot design or engineering problems. I might spend part of the day overseeing site visits to check on construction details or meeting with clients for feedback. Between these tasks, I carve out time for reading: architectural journals, theoretical essays, and global design news. I wind down by revisiting sketches or working out design details—often in the quieter evening hours—before planning the next day’s objectives. Small joys like an insightful team discussion, a well-executed façade detail, or a new parametric experiment that works perfectly can spark excitement amid the routine.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

NK : I stay informed by reading international architectural journals, participating in conferences, and observing global award-winning projects. Social media platforms also offer quick glimpses into emerging technologies and material innovations. However, trends are a double-edged sword. While they can inspire fresh thinking, they risk overshadowing authenticity if blindly followed. I aim to distill the essence of a trend—like a new building methodology or sustainability approach—and see if it resonates with our contextual design ethos. Ultimately, it’s not about chasing fleeting fashions, but incorporating innovations that can endure and enhance user experience long-term.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

NK : For me, good design has three pillars: Resonance with Context: It must reflect and enhance the cultural, environmental, and social fabric where it resides. Functionality and Well-being: A design succeeds if it meets or transcends user needs, fosters comfort, and can adapt over time. Timelessness: Does it remain conceptually and aesthetically relevant even as trends evolve? Common pitfalls include flashy aesthetics lacking depth or solutions that ignore fundamental sustainability or user-experience concerns. A truly well-designed space or object is one that stands quietly confident, serving its purpose gracefully while evoking a sense of emotional connection.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

NK : I often say a design reaches completion when all key constraints—functional, aesthetic, financial, and environmental—are resolved in a harmonious manner. Perfection is elusive; there’s always room for refinement. However, practical realities—like budgets, timelines, or client needs—set boundaries. I know a project is sufficiently complete when further tweaks would compromise the balance that’s already achieved. Even after construction, I view designs as living entities—the dialogue continues through user feedback and post-occupancy assessments, informing improvements for future work.

Who is your favourite designer?

NK : I admire a wide spectrum of architects and designers for different reasons. From the Iranian perspective, I’m in awe of vernacular masters who innovated climate-responsive solutions centuries ago, such as the unknown artisans behind Yazd’s windcatchers. Globally, Louis Kahn and Peter Zumthor stands out for his poetic interplay of light and structure, and Tadao Ando for his mastery of minimalism and space. If I could have a conversation with a single (late) visionary, it might be Zaha Hadid—to explore the fluid dynamism of her forms and her visionary approach to parametric design. Each of these figures revolutionized how we perceive space and potential.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

NK : I live and work primarily in Tehran, deeply influenced by Iran’s artistic legacy—from calligraphy to intricate mosaics. My cultural identity seeps into every design I undertake, manifested in courtyards, daylight patterns, or semi-private transitional zones. Music often plays a backdrop in my creative process: I enjoy classical Persian music for introspective moments and contemporary global genres when exploring new ideas. Design for me is an instrument of cultural preservation, societal improvement, and personal expression. Small improvements—like adopting local craftsmanship or championing sustainable materials—create incremental but meaningful changes in how I live and design.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

NK : Keivani Architects is centered on a collaborative environment. We have interdisciplinary dialogues with engineers, artisans, urban planners, and even sociologists. I believe that a culture of open communication and mutual respect unlocks synergy that leads to rich, multifaceted design solutions. Qualities I look for in new hires or partners include curiosity, adaptability, and moral responsibility. We strive for ethical design—cost-effective yet environmentally conscious, aesthetically captivating yet contextually sensitive. Transparency with clients and stakeholders is vital; each project is a shared venture in pursuit of a refined outcome.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

NK : We’ve engaged in pro bono consultations for charity community-driven projects, such as small libraries or schools in underserved areas, where design can significantly enhance quality of life. I’m also active in academic workshops, guiding emerging architects on sustainability and cultural integration. Occasionally, we participate in design competitions that champion humanitarian causes—seeing design as an instrument for broader social impact. I believe that artists, designers, and architects hold a collective responsibility to advocate for ethical and equitable environments. Investing in youth education, mentorship, and public design events remains a personal priority.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

NK : Participating in design competitions like the A’ Design Award offers several benefits: Global Exposure: It’s a platform that connects you to an international audience of peers, media, and potential collaborators. Professional Validation & Motivation: Recognition acts as a catalyst for pushing boundaries and refining quality standards. Community & Dialogue: Competitions foster discussions around evolving trends, new technologies, and sustainability challenges. Being named “Designer of the Day” is both humbling and invigorating. It underscores the collaborative efforts of my team and reaffirms our guiding principle—architecture that merges cultural authenticity with visionary thinking. I hope it inspires other emerging designers to be both courageous and compassionate in their approach.

Nima Keivani Profile